Five Star Private
Five Star Private

Movie spotlight

Five Star Private

1967
Movie
89 min
Japanese

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Edward DmytrykGenres: War, Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

During World War II, a motley crew of U.S. soldiers, including a smooth-talking hustler and a street-smart Puerto Rican private, find themselves stationed at a remote airfield in the South Pacific. Despite their differing backgrounds and constant squabbles, they must learn to work together to complete their dangerous missions and survive the harsh realities of combat. The film blends moments of dark humor with the grimness of war, exploring themes of camaraderie and the absurdity of conflict.

Critical Reception

Five Star Private received mixed to negative reviews upon its release. Critics often pointed to a disjointed narrative and a tonal inconsistency, struggling to reconcile its comedic elements with its dramatic subject matter. While some performances were noted, the film ultimately failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike, becoming a lesser-known entry in the war film genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Often criticized for its uneven tone, veering between slapstick and serious drama.

  • Some found the portrayal of soldiers and their interactions to be unconvincing.

  • The plot was frequently described as meandering and lacking a clear direction.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'Five Star Private' is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel 'The 13th Apostle' by MacKinlay Kantor, who also wrote the screenplay.

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